Medieval Indian History MCQs
Multiple choice questions on Medieval Indian History for General Studies and GK preparation of SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
1. The lowest in rank in the Maratha infantry was of__?
[A] Nayak
[B] Hawaldar
[C] Zumladar
[D] Hazari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hawaldar]
Notes:
Hawaldar was the lowest in rank in the Maratha Infantry.
2. The irrigation tax was charged on the farmers for the first time by which among the following Sultans?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
[C] Mohammad Tughlaq
[D] Firoz Tughlaq
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Firoz Tughlaq]
Notes:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who ascended Delhi’s throne on March 23, 1351, introduced four taxes based on Islamic law: kharaj (land tax), khams (one-fifth of spoils of war), jizya (tax on non-Muslims), and zakat (2% on property). The kharaj, or land tax, was the precursor to the first irrigation tax, equalling one tenth of the land produce. This first irrigation tax marked a significant shift in the economic policy of the Sultanate and had a lasting impact on Indian agriculture.
3. Which among the following two cities were joined by “Sadak-i-Azam” or the precursor of the Grand Trunk Road built by Shershah Suri?
[A] Agra & Calcutta
[B] Delhi & Patna
[C] Delhi & Sasaram
[D] Agra & Sasaram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Agra & Sasaram]
Notes:
The Grand Trunk Road also formerly known as Uttarapath, Sadak-i-Azam, Badshahi Sadak. The road was known as Uttarapath (Northern Route) during the Mauryan period as Sadak-i-Azam or Shah Rah-i-Azam (The Great Road). It was built between Agra and Sasaram.
4. During the reign of which among the following Mughal Emperors, Mughal Architecture reached its zenith?
[A] Akbar
[B] Jahangir
[C] Shahjahan
[D] Aurangazeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shahjahan]
Notes:
The Mughal emperor Shahjahan was the last great Mughal emperor who patronized the architecture. Taj Mahal was built during his reign. Architecture declined completely after Aurangzeb.
5. What was the term used in the medieval India for the land directly ruled by the Central Government?
[A] Muqtis
[B] Khalisa
[C] Inam
[D] Inam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Khalisa]
Notes:
Khalisa is the term used in the medieval India for the land directly ruled by the central government. It is an Arabic word. It was the term used during the Delhi Sultanates.
6. During the end of which of the Mughal rulers the Mughal empire faced the problem of jagirdari crisis?
[A] Humayun
[B] Akbar
[C] Jahanagir
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
The jagirdari crisis during the reign of Aurangzeb led to an unhealthy competition among the nobles to gain control over the fertile jagirs. The jagirdars faced the insecurity of getting transferred within a short period.
7. Which of these Deccan Sultanates did not participate in the Battle of Talikota (Rakkasagi–Tangadagi) against the Vijaya Nagar empire?
[A] Ahmadnagar
[B] Bijapur
[C] Bidar
[D] Berar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Berar]
Notes:
The Battle of Talikota (Rakkasagi–Tangadagi) on 23 January 1565 pitted the Vijayanagara Empire against an alliance of Deccan sultanates: Ahmadnagar (Hussain Nizam Shah I), Bijapur (Ali Adil Shah I), Bidar (Ali Barid Shah I), and Golconda (Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah). Berar did not join this coalition; its forces separately attacked Krishna Ford earlier but were repelled. This led to Vijayanagara’s defeat.
8. Which among the following tax was abolished by Allauddin Khilji?
[A] Kismat-i-Khuti
[B] Ghari
[C] Charai
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kismat-i-Khuti]
Notes:
Kismat-i-Khuti, headmen’s cess, was abolished under the reign of Allauddin Khilji.
9. The book Fautuhat-i-Firoj Shah’ was composed by whom?
[A] Amir Khusrau
[B] Ibn Batuta
[C] Barani
[D] Feroz Shah Tughlaq
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Feroz Shah Tughlaq]
Notes:
Fautuhat-i-Ferozshahi was authored by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq himself. The book was his autobiography.
10. Who among the following ambassador was sent by Muhammad bin Tughlaq to China?
[A] Amir Khusro
[B] Firdausi
[C] Barauni
[D] Ibn Battuta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ibn Battuta]
Notes:
Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq sent the famous Arab traveller, Ibn Battuta, as an ambassador to the Chinese court of Mongol ruler.
